Why Are Why Are WeWe

Here?Here?

We need to make an assumption. That We need to make an assumption. That assumption is whether the universe is logical assumption is whether the universe is logical or chaos—with a reason or happenstance. I or chaos—with a reason or happenstance. I do not think either side can be proven. If do not think either side can be proven. If chaos then there does not need to be a chaos then there does not need to be a reason for anything. If logical then there reason for anything. If logical then there needs to be a reason for everything—even if needs to be a reason for everything—even if we do not presently know the reason. (And, we do not presently know the reason. (And, believe me, most things I do not know the believe me, most things I do not know the reason for.) I have made the assumption that reason for.) I have made the assumption that the universe is logical. But this is an the universe is logical. But this is an assumption which I cannot prove.assumption which I cannot prove.

An AssumptionAn Assumption

Based onBased onLogical Universe Logical Universe

Assumption:Assumption:

Why Are We Here?Why Are We Here?

My answer is:My answer is:

To developTo develop

spiritually.spiritually.

Can this be done in Can this be done in one lifetime?one lifetime?

Put another way: Do you Put another way: Do you know anyone who has know anyone who has reached the spiritual reached the spiritual

level of Christ or level of Christ or Buddha?Buddha?

I don’t!I don’t!

And, if the universe is logical, And, if the universe is logical, does it make sense that many does it make sense that many people are born in suffering people are born in suffering whereas others seemingly whereas others seemingly have an easier life, e.g., have an easier life, e.g.,

wealth, health, looks, etc?wealth, health, looks, etc?

It does not to me if we are It does not to me if we are here for only one life, but if here for only one life, but if

for many then it’s more for many then it’s more understandable.understandable.

Okay we are here for our Okay we are here for our spiritual development and it spiritual development and it

takes more than one lifetime to takes more than one lifetime to do so. (Probably many, many do so. (Probably many, many

more then one lifetime.)more then one lifetime.)

Why?Why?

My belief is, at the beginning, we were a part of My belief is, at the beginning, we were a part of God and, in fact, each of us still are. But for some God and, in fact, each of us still are. But for some reason (we got bored? it’s hard to understand reason (we got bored? it’s hard to understand what we thought in our complete God-what we thought in our complete God-consciousness) we decided that we needed to consciousness) we decided that we needed to relearn the lessons we knew to become spiritual. relearn the lessons we knew to become spiritual. In order to do so we gave up our God-In order to do so we gave up our God-consciousness temporarily to learn thousands consciousness temporarily to learn thousands and thousands of lessons. And we are learning and thousands of lessons. And we are learning those lessons —some faster, some slower, some those lessons —some faster, some slower, some in one area, some in another. In fact I expect that in one area, some in another. In fact I expect that everyone is more spiritually advanced than I in everyone is more spiritually advanced than I in one area or another and I in other areas are more one area or another and I in other areas are more advanced they they.advanced they they.Of course that does not include Christ or Of course that does not include Christ or Buddha or any of the Masters.Buddha or any of the Masters.

So how do we learn these lessons?So how do we learn these lessons?

LiveLiveMany lessons can be learned just through Many lessons can be learned just through living. From my perspective our soul knows living. From my perspective our soul knows the lessons we need to learn and between the lessons we need to learn and between lives, after reflecting on what we learned our lives, after reflecting on what we learned our last life, chooses for our next life the best last life, chooses for our next life the best possible life for us to learn our next lessons.possible life for us to learn our next lessons.We are always advancing. As humanity is We are always advancing. As humanity is always advancing—just look at where always advancing—just look at where humanity has come in the past 50 years, 500 humanity has come in the past 50 years, 500 years, 5000 years?years, 5000 years?

Are there ways to speed up these lessons?Are there ways to speed up these lessons?

Yes!Yes!There are several ways. A main way seems to There are several ways. A main way seems to be via one of the three phrases carved into be via one of the three phrases carved into the Temple of Apollo at Delphi’s, that being the Temple of Apollo at Delphi’s, that being “Know Thyself”.“Know Thyself”.

The Temple is from before recorded history—The Temple is from before recorded history—possibly the 9possibly the 9thth century BC, possibly before. century BC, possibly before. The other two phrases are: “nothing in The other two phrases are: “nothing in excess” and “make a pledge and mischief is excess” and “make a pledge and mischief is nigh”. (This last possibly dealing with non-nigh”. (This last possibly dealing with non-attachment.)attachment.)

““Know Thyself”Know Thyself”In Esoteric Philosophy this In Esoteric Philosophy this is also referred to as is also referred to as building the Antahkarana building the Antahkarana Bridge [or Rainbow Bridge [or Rainbow Bridge]—the link between Bridge]—the link between the higher mind and the the higher mind and the enclosing soul.) It can be enclosing soul.) It can be done in many ways.done in many ways.

This above all: to thine own self be This above all: to thine own self be true,And it must follow, as the night the true,And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any day,Thou canst not then be false to any man.Farewell, my blessing season this man.Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!in thee!Polonius, Polonius, HamletHamlet, Act 1, Scene 3, 78-82, Act 1, Scene 3, 78-82

In my opinion this is the most important quality In my opinion this is the most important quality anyone can use for their spiritual development. As anyone can use for their spiritual development. As with many qualities there is a problem that being with many qualities there is a problem that being who, or what, is “thine own self”. Suggestions? who, or what, is “thine own self”. Suggestions? ““Thine own self” should be one’s soul, but until that Antahkarana Thine own self” should be one’s soul, but until that Antahkarana bridge is built many times it’s one’s personality. In fact, in a very bridge is built many times it’s one’s personality. In fact, in a very undeveloped individual it could even be their physical or emotional undeveloped individual it could even be their physical or emotional selves. selves.

Anything else one can do?Anything else one can do?1.1. Have a hard life.Have a hard life.2.2. Take psychological tests—or any instrument Take psychological tests—or any instrument

which might aid you in understanding yourself.which might aid you in understanding yourself.3.3. Find someone you can open up to and will open Find someone you can open up to and will open

up to you. Someone who will help provide up to you. Someone who will help provide insights into yourself as we are all too close to insights into yourself as we are all too close to ourselves to see ourselves clearly.ourselves to see ourselves clearly.

4.4. Meditate and reflect.Meditate and reflect.5.5. Study philosophy and religion.Study philosophy and religion.

This is not quite true, but could help. When we are going through This is not quite true, but could help. When we are going through a difficult period we ask ourselves tougher questions, e.g., what a difficult period we ask ourselves tougher questions, e.g., what am I doing wrong? what’s wrong with me? what could I do am I doing wrong? what’s wrong with me? what could I do different and better? Those questions lead to insights which aid in different and better? Those questions lead to insights which aid in our growth. On the other hand one’s soul has determined what our growth. On the other hand one’s soul has determined what life and experiences in life are the best for one’s spiritual life and experiences in life are the best for one’s spiritual development. Thus if one’s soul has chosen an easy life—or, at development. Thus if one’s soul has chosen an easy life—or, at this moment, an easy time—then accept it.this moment, an easy time—then accept it.

Study philosophy & religionStudy philosophy & religion

Here is where “esoteric philosophy” can Here is where “esoteric philosophy” can come in. My belief is that at their core all come in. My belief is that at their core all religions are the same. They are not the religions are the same. They are not the same when it comes in many exterior areas: same when it comes in many exterior areas: Hinduism has as many as 330 million gods! Hinduism has as many as 330 million gods! (In fairness the most significant gods—often (In fairness the most significant gods—often viewed as three parts of one whole—are viewed as three parts of one whole—are Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver of Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver of creation; and Shiva, the destroyer—and this creation; and Shiva, the destroyer—and this three-in-one idea isn’t a foreign one to three-in-one idea isn’t a foreign one to Christians, since they understand God in Christians, since they understand God in terms of three persons: Father, Son and Holy terms of three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But at their core they all seem to be Spirit. But at their core they all seem to be same when it comes two areas: “know same when it comes two areas: “know thyself” (just mentioned) and (some form of) thyself” (just mentioned) and (some form of) right human relations.right human relations.

KnowKnow

ThyselfThyself

Three more quick points Three more quick points here:here:Christ said: “Physician, heal thyself”. Luke 4:23Christ said: “Physician, heal thyself”. Luke 4:23

What of all the rules that the Buddha has passed What of all the rules that the Buddha has passed down to us over the centuries? Accounts have it that down to us over the centuries? Accounts have it that just before his death the Buddha entrusted his just before his death the Buddha entrusted his monks to discard all minor rules, saying he knew monks to discard all minor rules, saying he knew they were able to discern the essence of dharma. they were able to discern the essence of dharma. Overcautious, the monks decided they couldn’t Overcautious, the monks decided they couldn’t decide, and kept all the rules. In effect, they denied decide, and kept all the rules. In effect, they denied the Buddha’s last wish. Had Krishnamurti sat in the the Buddha’s last wish. Had Krishnamurti sat in the place of the Buddha, and had he made but one rule, place of the Buddha, and had he made but one rule, it might have been “know thyself”, and all other it might have been “know thyself”, and all other rules would have been declared to be minor and rules would have been declared to be minor and therefore to be discarded.therefore to be discarded.

The Prophet, Mohammed, said, “He who knows The Prophet, Mohammed, said, “He who knows himself knows his Lord.” (FM II 308.22; C.312) – himself knows his Lord.” (FM II 308.22; C.312) – Hadith.Hadith.

Right Human Right Human RelationsRelations

But what about …But what about …““An eye for an eye” – in the old testament - An eye for an eye” – in the old testament - Exodus 21:22–27 and Leviticus 24:18–20?Exodus 21:22–27 and Leviticus 24:18–20?

Except the expression “an eye for an eye” does not Except the expression “an eye for an eye” does not occur in the Hebrew Bible. The verses where the occur in the Hebrew Bible. The verses where the expression occurs list situations for which fines are expression occurs list situations for which fines are imposed to compensate injury and state that each imposed to compensate injury and state that each and every injury must be compensated. The Talmud and every injury must be compensated. The Talmud (in Bava Kamma, 83b-84a), argues against the (in Bava Kamma, 83b-84a), argues against the reinterpretations by Saducees that the Bible verses reinterpretations by Saducees that the Bible verses refer to physical retaliation in kind, using the refer to physical retaliation in kind, using the argument that such an interpretation would be argument that such an interpretation would be inapplicable to blind or eyeless offenders. Since the inapplicable to blind or eyeless offenders. Since the Torah requires that penalties be universally Torah requires that penalties be universally applicable, the phrase cannot be interpreted in this applicable, the phrase cannot be interpreted in this manner. manner.

Other religions …Other religions …In Islam the Shariah—which is the code of law derived In Islam the Shariah—which is the code of law derived from the Koran (Qur’an) and from the teachings and from the Koran (Qur’an) and from the teachings and example of Mohammed—controls, rules and regulates all example of Mohammed—controls, rules and regulates all public and private behavior. For example:public and private behavior. For example:• Haram describes anything that is unacceptable under Haram describes anything that is unacceptable under

Shariah law. It is considered inappropriate for a Muslim Shariah law. It is considered inappropriate for a Muslim investor to profit from any activity that violates Islamic investor to profit from any activity that violates Islamic principles. Certain industries, including alcohol, principles. Certain industries, including alcohol, pornography, gambling, pork, and conventional financial pornography, gambling, pork, and conventional financial services, are inherently haram. services, are inherently haram.

• Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a person must Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a person must have in order to be responsible for charity payments, or have in order to be responsible for charity payments, or zakah. Nisab generally refers to the amount needed to zakah. Nisab generally refers to the amount needed to support one’s family for a year.support one’s family for a year.

• Purification refers to getting rid of unacceptable profits. Purification refers to getting rid of unacceptable profits. Shariah prohibits Muslims from profiting, even Shariah prohibits Muslims from profiting, even indirectly, from unacceptable practices, so investors are indirectly, from unacceptable practices, so investors are expected to account for and give away any income expected to account for and give away any income derived from riba or other haram sources.derived from riba or other haram sources.

Buddhism has the Noble Eightfold Buddhism has the Noble Eightfold PathPath

1.1.Right ViewRight View

2.2.Right IntentionRight Intention

3.3.Right SpeechRight Speech

4.4.Right ActionRight Action

5.5.Right LivelihoodRight Livelihood

6.6.Right EffortRight Effort

7.7.Right MindfulnessRight Mindfulness

8.8.Right ConcentrationRight Concentration

}} WisdomWisdom

}} EthicalEthicalConductConduct

}} MentalMentalDevelopmentDevelopment

Other religions …Other religions …

Hinduism has DharmaHinduism has Dharma

Other religions …Other religions …

HebrewHebrewOther religions …Other religions …

Leviticus 19:34 But the stranger that dwelleth with Leviticus 19:34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

ChristianityChristianityLuke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.you, do ye also to them likewise.

That covers most That covers most religionsreligions

What else can one do?What else can one do?Study energy! What types of Study energy! What types of

energy?energy?I would say all since all is energy. But, in particular, I would say all since all is energy. But, in particular, those energies which affect you the most and the those energies which affect you the most and the vehicles they affect:vehicles they affect:

1.1. Normal astrology.Normal astrology.2.2. Esoteric astrology.Esoteric astrology.3.3. The Seven Rays.The Seven Rays.4.4. Your various vehicles.Your various vehicles.

Due to time limits I’m not going to discuss Normal Due to time limits I’m not going to discuss Normal Astrology (sometimes referred to as Astrology of Astrology (sometimes referred to as Astrology of the Personality) or Esoteric Astrology (sometimes the Personality) or Esoteric Astrology (sometimes referred to as Astrology of the Soul.)referred to as Astrology of the Soul.)

This is whereThis is whereEsoteric Esoteric

PhilosophyPhilosophycan be of benefit.can be of benefit.

What is Esoteric Philosophy?What is Esoteric Philosophy?

Let’s break is down even further.Let’s break is down even further.

What is Esoteric?What is Esoteric?

1.1. restricted to or intended for an restricted to or intended for an enlightened or initiated minority, enlightened or initiated minority, especially because of abstruseness or especially because of abstruseness or obscurity - obscurity - an esoteric cultan esoteric cult

2.2. difficult to understand; abstruse – difficult to understand; abstruse – an an esoteric statementesoteric statement

3.3. not openly admitted - not openly admitted - private esoteric private esoteric aimsaims

HIDDENHIDDEN

What is Philosophy?What is Philosophy?1.1. Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral

self-discipline.self-discipline.

2.2. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.empirical methods.

3.3. A system of thought based on or involving such inquiry: A system of thought based on or involving such inquiry: the the philosophy of Hume.philosophy of Hume.

4.4. The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs.The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs.

5.5. The disciplines presented in university curriculums of The disciplines presented in university curriculums of science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and theologytheology

6.6. The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology.metaphysics, and epistemology.

7.7. A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or activity; an underlying theory: an original philosophy of activity; an underlying theory: an original philosophy of advertising.advertising.

8.8. A system of values by which one lives: has an unusual A system of values by which one lives: has an unusual philosophy of life.philosophy of life.

So Esoteric Philosophy is?So Esoteric Philosophy is?

A system of values by A system of values by which one lives which which one lives which

is difficult to is difficult to understand – or limited understand – or limited

to an enlightened or to an enlightened or initiated minority.initiated minority.

HistoryHistoryIn some ways the above is true, esoteric philosophy In some ways the above is true, esoteric philosophy has been limited to an initiated minority. But that has been limited to an initiated minority. But that has been rapidly changing over the past 150+ has been rapidly changing over the past 150+ years with the likes of people like:years with the likes of people like:• Helena Blavatsky (1831-1891) - Theosophical Society - founderHelena Blavatsky (1831-1891) - Theosophical Society - founder• Helena Roerich (1879 – 1955) – Agni Yoga - founderHelena Roerich (1879 – 1955) – Agni Yoga - founder• Alice A. Bailey (1880 – 1949) – Alice Bailey School - founderAlice A. Bailey (1880 – 1949) – Alice Bailey School - founder• Annie Besant (1847 – 1933) - Theosophical Society - presidentAnnie Besant (1847 – 1933) - Theosophical Society - president• Geoffrey Hodson (1886 – 1983) - Theosophical Society – Geoffrey Hodson (1886 – 1983) - Theosophical Society –

teacher & authorteacher & author• Rudolf Steiner (1861 –1925) – Anthroposophy - founderRudolf Steiner (1861 –1925) – Anthroposophy - founder• A.E. Powell - Theosophical Society - authorA.E. Powell - Theosophical Society - author• C. W. Leadbeater (1854 - 1934) - Theosophical Society - authorC. W. Leadbeater (1854 - 1934) - Theosophical Society - author• Roberto Assagioli (1888 – 1974) – Psychosynthesis - founderRoberto Assagioli (1888 – 1974) – Psychosynthesis - founder

HistoryHistoryThere have others mentioned from the past: There have others mentioned from the past: • Hercules (c8000 BC) - GreekHercules (c8000 BC) - Greek• Hermes (c7000 BC) - Greek - Messenger of the Greek GodsHermes (c7000 BC) - Greek - Messenger of the Greek Gods• Jesus – Mid-East - Jesus – Mid-East - ChristianityChristianity• John the Baptist – Mid-East - John the Baptist – Mid-East - ChristianityChristianity• Lee-tse (570-490 BC) – China - Lee-tse (570-490 BC) – China - TaoistTaoist• Moses (12Moses (12thth Century BC) - Hebrew Century BC) - Hebrew• Plato (c427 – 347 BC) - GreekPlato (c427 – 347 BC) - Greek• Zoroaster (628 – 551 BC) – Iran - Zoroaster (628 – 551 BC) – Iran - ZoroasterismZoroasterism• Buddha (c563 – 483 BC) – India - Buddha (c563 – 483 BC) – India - BuddhismBuddhism• Confucius (551 – 479 BC) – China - Confucius (551 – 479 BC) – China - ConfucianismConfucianism• Enoch – Hebrew/Islam– Enoch is noted as one of two humans Enoch – Hebrew/Islam– Enoch is noted as one of two humans

(the other being Elijah) who, according to Christian tradition, (the other being Elijah) who, according to Christian tradition, were assumed into heaven – he’s also in the Quranwere assumed into heaven – he’s also in the Quran

So what are some of the So what are some of the tenets of Esoteric tenets of Esoteric

Philosophy?Philosophy?

We have mentioned two:We have mentioned two:1.1.Know thyselfKnow thyself2.2.Practice “right human relations”Practice “right human relations”

But there are others. One being But there are others. One being that there are “Seven Rays”.that there are “Seven Rays”.

The Seven RaysThe Seven RaysThese are energies mentioned in These are energies mentioned in esoteric philosophy.esoteric philosophy.

Ray I: the Ray of Will and PowerRay I: the Ray of Will and PowerRay II: the Ray of Love and WisdomRay II: the Ray of Love and WisdomRay III: the Ray of Creative Intelligence and Ray III: the Ray of Creative Intelligence and AdaptabilityAdaptabilityRay IV: the Ray of Harmony Through ConflictRay IV: the Ray of Harmony Through ConflictRay V: the Ray of Concrete Knowledge and Ray V: the Ray of Concrete Knowledge and ScienceScienceRay VI: the Ray of Devotion and Abstract Ray VI: the Ray of Devotion and Abstract IdealismIdealismRay VII: the Ray of Organization and Ray VII: the Ray of Organization and Ceremonial MagicCeremonial Magic

You will note that each has two components. You will note that each has two components. I’ll briefly mention some of their I’ll briefly mention some of their characteristics.characteristics.

Ray OneRay OneRay of Will and PowerRay of Will and Power

StrengthsStrengths: power to direct and govern, power to : power to direct and govern, power to synthesize, strong sense of purpose, truthfulness synthesize, strong sense of purpose, truthfulness arising from absolute fearlessness.arising from absolute fearlessness.WeaknessesWeaknesses: domination, destructiveness, : domination, destructiveness, violence, isolation, hardness, cruelty.violence, isolation, hardness, cruelty.Type AType A: Steadfastness and Endurance. : Steadfastness and Endurance. Type BType B: Dynamic Liberation and Freedom. : Dynamic Liberation and Freedom. Vocational IndicationsVocational Indications: Positions of leadership and : Positions of leadership and authority. Chief executive officers, leaders in authority. Chief executive officers, leaders in government and politics, the military and law government and politics, the military and law enforcement, etc.enforcement, etc.

Ray TwoRay TwoRay of Love and WisdomRay of Love and Wisdom

Strengths: Strengths: loving understanding, compassion, love loving understanding, compassion, love of pure truth, wise and intuitive comprehension, of pure truth, wise and intuitive comprehension, clear perception and intelligence.clear perception and intelligence.Weaknesses: Weaknesses: over-sensitivity and vulnerability, over-sensitivity and vulnerability, fearfulness and self-pity, tendency towards inferiority fearfulness and self-pity, tendency towards inferiority complex, too great an attachment to people.complex, too great an attachment to people.Type A: Type A: Loving-Understanding. Loving-Understanding. Type B: Type B: Wisdom & Complete Understanding. Wisdom & Complete Understanding. Vocational Indications: Vocational Indications: Positions where love and a Positions where love and a wise understanding of people are required. Teaching, wise understanding of people are required. Teaching, religious and spiritual work, psychotherapy, human religious and spiritual work, psychotherapy, human resources development, etc.resources development, etc.

Ray ThreeRay ThreeRay of Creative Intelligence and Ray of Creative Intelligence and

AdaptabilityAdaptabilityStrengths: Strengths: mental fertility and creativity, capacity mental fertility and creativity, capacity for rigorous analysis and reasoning, wide views on all for rigorous analysis and reasoning, wide views on all abstract issues, exceptional ability to plan and abstract issues, exceptional ability to plan and strategize, skillful communication.strategize, skillful communication.Weaknesses: Weaknesses: intellectual pride, excessive criticism, intellectual pride, excessive criticism, vague and overly complex thought and expression, vague and overly complex thought and expression, manipulativeness, deviousness.manipulativeness, deviousness.Type A: Type A: Abstract Thought and Creative Reasoning. Abstract Thought and Creative Reasoning. Type B: Type B: Activity and Adaptability. Activity and Adaptability. Vocational Indications: Vocational Indications: Positions where Positions where considerable intellectual power and resourcefulness considerable intellectual power and resourcefulness are required. Business and finance, academic and are required. Business and finance, academic and theoretical work, creative think-tanks, market theoretical work, creative think-tanks, market speculation, advertising, etc.speculation, advertising, etc.

Ray FourRay FourRay of Harmony Through ConflictRay of Harmony Through Conflict

Strengths: Strengths: ability to mediate and resolve conflicts, ability to mediate and resolve conflicts, capacity for “bridging”, love of beauty and ability to capacity for “bridging”, love of beauty and ability to express and/or create it, artistic and aesthetic express and/or create it, artistic and aesthetic sensibilities, musicality, strong imagination.sensibilities, musicality, strong imagination.Weaknesses: Weaknesses: vacillation, ambivalence, vacillation, ambivalence, combativeness, embroiled in constant conflict (inner combativeness, embroiled in constant conflict (inner and outer), unstable activity patterns (fits and starts), and outer), unstable activity patterns (fits and starts), too compromising, moodiness, worry.too compromising, moodiness, worry.Type A: Type A: Creation of Harmony and Beauty. Creation of Harmony and Beauty. Type B: Type B: Involvement in Conflict. Involvement in Conflict. Vocational Indications: Vocational Indications: Positions where a strong Positions where a strong sense of harmony and beauty are required. sense of harmony and beauty are required. Peacemaking, all the arts, mediation, decoration and Peacemaking, all the arts, mediation, decoration and beautification, psychotherapy and massage, beautification, psychotherapy and massage, entertainment, interpersonal skills, etc.entertainment, interpersonal skills, etc.

Ray FiveRay FiveRay of Concrete Knowledge and Ray of Concrete Knowledge and

ScienceScienceStrengths: Strengths: keen and focused intellect, accuracy keen and focused intellect, accuracy and precision in thought and action, mastery of and precision in thought and action, mastery of factual detail, mechanical ability and practical factual detail, mechanical ability and practical inventiveness, perseverance in research.inventiveness, perseverance in research.Weaknesses: Weaknesses: critical and narrow mentality, mental critical and narrow mentality, mental prejudice, rigid and set thought patterns, excessive prejudice, rigid and set thought patterns, excessive doubt and skepticism.doubt and skepticism.Type A: Type A: Precise Knowledge and Great Factual Precise Knowledge and Great Factual Accuracy. Accuracy. Type B: Type B: Practical Experimentation and Technical Practical Experimentation and Technical Inventiveness. Inventiveness. Vocational Indicators: Vocational Indicators: Positions where great Positions where great accuracy and a factual, technical and objective point accuracy and a factual, technical and objective point of view are required. Science, research, engineering, of view are required. Science, research, engineering, accounting, technical specialties, etc.accounting, technical specialties, etc.

Ray SixRay SixRay of Devotion and Abstract Ray of Devotion and Abstract

IdealismIdealismStrengths: Strengths: high idealism, intense devotion, single-high idealism, intense devotion, single-mindedness, unshakable faith, undimmed optimism, mindedness, unshakable faith, undimmed optimism, power to envision the goal, unflagging persistence, power to envision the goal, unflagging persistence, power to arouse and inspire.power to arouse and inspire.Weaknesses: Weaknesses: blind faith, rigid idealism, narrow blind faith, rigid idealism, narrow orientation, emotionalism, intolerance, selfish and orientation, emotionalism, intolerance, selfish and jealous love, fiery anger.jealous love, fiery anger.Type A: Type A: Devotion and Passive Openness to Devotion and Passive Openness to Guidance. Guidance. Type B: Type B: Fiery Aspiration and Militant Idealism. Fiery Aspiration and Militant Idealism. Vocational Indications: Vocational Indications: Positions where one must Positions where one must “totally believe in” what one is doing. Religious work, “totally believe in” what one is doing. Religious work, all forms of promotion, involvement in “causes” and all forms of promotion, involvement in “causes” and special interests groups, activism, charity work, etc.special interests groups, activism, charity work, etc.

Ray SevenRay SevenRay of Organization and Ray of Organization and

Ceremonial MagicCeremonial MagicStrengths: Strengths: power to create order, power to power to create order, power to manifest, power to organize and coordinate groups, manifest, power to organize and coordinate groups, “team playing”; great respect for laws, rules and “team playing”; great respect for laws, rules and regulations; refined sense of rhythm and timing.regulations; refined sense of rhythm and timing.Weaknesses: Weaknesses: formalism, rigidity, pompous formalism, rigidity, pompous ceremonialism, excessive conformity (or non-ceremonialism, excessive conformity (or non-conformity), sectarianism, bigotry.conformity), sectarianism, bigotry.Type A: Type A: Preservation of Established Forms and Preservation of Established Forms and Structures. Structures. Type B: Type B: Creation and Reorganizing of Forms and Creation and Reorganizing of Forms and Structures. Structures. Vocational Indications: Vocational Indications: Positions in which Positions in which organization and an understanding of form are organization and an understanding of form are paramount. Administration and management, paramount. Administration and management, building and construction, religious or ceremonial building and construction, religious or ceremonial ritual, etc.ritual, etc.

Seven RaysSeven RaysThat’s a quick summary of the energies associated That’s a quick summary of the energies associated with the Seven Rays. It’s more complex as each ray with the Seven Rays. It’s more complex as each ray has other characteristics:has other characteristics:• colorscolors• symbolssymbols• chakraschakras• soundsound• religionreligion• artart• source of sufferingsource of suffering

And then we have the vehicles – or the And then we have the vehicles – or the Constitution of Man.Constitution of Man.

Your VehiclesYour Vehicles• PhysicalPhysical• Emotional Emotional

(Astral)(Astral)• MentalMental• PersonalityPersonality• SoulSoul• MonadMonad

This topic is really the This topic is really the Constitution of Man, but Constitution of Man, but it’s beyond what we have it’s beyond what we have time to discuss.time to discuss.

It should be mentioned that each of the vehicles can have a It should be mentioned that each of the vehicles can have a prominent ray so, as part of one’s understanding of oneself, one prominent ray so, as part of one’s understanding of oneself, one should not only understand the rays and the vehicles, but also how should not only understand the rays and the vehicles, but also how the different rays affect the different vehicles.the different rays affect the different vehicles.

Do we have help in our Do we have help in our spiritual development?spiritual development?

Certainly!Certainly!1.1. Our SoulOur Soul2.2. Masters – although they mainly Masters – although they mainly

help humanity as a wholehelp humanity as a whole3.3. Other ResourcesOther Resources

a)a) Books from those mentioned Books from those mentioned earlierearlier

b)PIPIIonline.com or or PIP2online.com